By Linda Delmonico-Prussen
This past summer, the revamp project got under way in earnest. Assemblyman David McDonough (R-North Merrick), who served for several years as Merrick's revitalization liaison before being elected in 2002, spearheaded the effort.
Before the facade improvement project recently started, antique-style benches, street lights, even a gazebo at the train station were added, along with greenery. Merrick Avenue, from Sunrise Highway north past Camp Avenue, was repaved as well. New York State helped with the streetscaping, and Nassau County repaved Merrick Avenue.
Within the past few months, 10 storefronts have been redone and nine more are now being worked on.
Julie Marchesella, the Merrick Chamber of Commerce president and owner of Queen of Hearts, a clothing shop, said, "We've been waiting a long time for the facade project to begin. We're in the thick of it now. The parts of the project that have been completed have really come along nicely."
The new facades are not only intended to brighten downtown Merrick, but also to give it a more uniform appearance that reflects the old-time feel of the streetscape improvements.
Marchesella said Town of Hempstead grants pay for 55 percent of a storefront makeover; the building owner picks up the other 45 percent. Having a facade redone is entirely voluntary.
Marchesella's shop, which is now having its facade redone, said of the town project, "It certainly does so much for the town."
Susie Trenkle, Hempstead Town spokesperson, said any building owners who wish to take part in the facade program should call the town's John Rottkamp at (516) 489-5000, extension 3449.
